Solid State Transformer Power Supply for Low-Loss Data Centres
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data centre power distribution systems based on Low Voltage Alternating Current (LVAC) architecture are expensive, inefficient, and require additional equipment for reactive power compensation, leading to increased losses and complexity, with oversized components and multiple power conversion stages.
Innovation Solution
A power supply system utilizing Solid State Transformers (SST) to convert Medium-Voltage Alternating Current (MVAC) or Medium-Voltage Direct Current (MVDC) to Low-Voltage Direct Current (LVDC), followed by DC-DC converters to supply power to servers, reducing conversion stages and enhancing fault isolation and redundancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If LVAC architecture with large scale power conversion blocks is used, then power distribution capability is improved, but short circuit currents increase and expensive protection devices are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution system into multiple independent MVDC feed modules, each serving specific rack rows. This segmentation limits the propagation of short circuit currents to individual modules rather than affecting the entire system, while maintaining high power distribution capability through parallel operation of multiple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from LVAC to MVDC architecture, changing the voltage level and current type parameters. This parameter change enables higher voltage operation (reducing current for same power) and eliminates reactive power issues, thereby reducing short circuit energy while maintaining power distribution capability.
2Reliability
If LVAC architecture with reactive power compensation equipment is used, then power factor is improved, but system complexity and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the reactive power compensation equipment from the system by adopting MVDC architecture. DC systems inherently do not have reactive power issues, simplifying the power distribution system while maintaining or improving power factor through direct DC-to-DC conversion stages.
3Reliability
If LVAC architecture with AC-DC-AC power conversion is used, then uninterrupted power supply is achieved, but number of power conversion stages increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional AC-DC-AC power conversion approach by implementing direct MVDC-to-LVDC conversion. This inversion eliminates the intermediate AC stage, reducing power conversion stages from three (AC-DC-AC) to two (MVDC-LVDC), thereby improving efficiency while maintaining uninterrupted power supply through the modular redundant architecture.
4Power
If LVAC architecture with large cross-section cabling is used, then current carrying capacity is improved, but distribution losses and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter from low voltage AC to medium voltage DC. This voltage increase allows for lower current at the same power level, reducing I²R losses in cabling and enabling the use of smaller cross-section conductors while maintaining current carrying capacity and reducing distribution losses.
5Reliability
If LVAC architecture with N+N redundant system is used, then availability is improved, but system oversizing and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the redundant system into modular MVDC feed units that can be independently configured. This segmentation enables more flexible redundancy implementation where N+1 or other redundancy schemes can be applied at the module level rather than requiring complete N+N oversizing of the entire system, reducing overall equipment quantity while maintaining availability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides efficient power distribution with reduced costs, lower distribution losses, and improved fault isolation, using LVDC for backup and fault isolation, and supports high power density with bipolar DC transmission.
Implementation Method 1
one or more Solid State Transformers, SST, configured to convert Medium-Voltage Alternating Current, MVAC, input or Medium-Voltage Direct Current, MVDC, input to a first Low-Voltage Direct Current, LVDC, output
Implementation Method 2
one or more first stage DC-DC converters configured to convert the first Low-Voltage Direct Current, LVDC output to a second LVDC output
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply system includes one or more solid state transformers (SST), one or more first stage DC-DC converters and one or more second stage DC-DC converters. The one or more solid state transformers (SST) are configured to convert any medium-voltage Alternating Current (MVAC) input or medium-voltage Direct Current (MVDC) input to a first low-voltage Direct-Current (LVDC) output. The one or more first stage DC-DC converters are configured to convert the first low-voltage DC output to a second LVDC output. The one or more second stage DC-DC converters are configured to convert the second LVDC output to a third LVDC output. The third LVDC output is used to supply power to one or more servers in a data centre ICT load area.